Shenandoah National Park manager visits discussed: layoffs, cashless entry and trail repairs noted

Bruce Bowman, who represents Madison on the Blue Ridge Committee for Shenandoah National Park relations, briefed the Madison County Board of Supervisors on recent park developments including staffing challenges, trail closures and an operational change to cashless entry.

Bowman said the park’s new superintendent, appointed October 2024, has faced budget uncertainty and temporary staffing reductions; Bowman said 15 positions were initially eliminated and most were rehired only through the current fiscal year end (Sept. 30). He described the park as operating “on bare bones right now budget wise and, manpower wise.”

Bowman also reported rain-related trail and road damage at the park (for example, closures on some trails and washouts), and said an audit of building structural integrity and fire susceptibility is underway. He told supervisors that, beginning July 1, the park planned to stop accepting cash at the entrance station; he said about 5% of entry fees are currently paid in cash and the park will provide vendor locations in surrounding counties where visitors can buy permits.

Bowman said concession operations were extended; Delaware North — the current concessionaire — received an extension while the park rebids contracts and a new concessionaire is not expected to start until 2027. He also said the park is re-studying traffic management at the intersection of Routes 33 and 211 and may pursue signals, depending on funding.

Judd Buchanan, Blue Ridge Committee member, said current visitation is “staying steady” but that international visitation may be uncertain. Supervisors welcomed a superintendent visit to Madison and expressed interest in emergency-management coordination.

No formal board action was taken; supervisors asked staff to invite the park superintendent to appear before the board or a joint meeting.